DEATHSCRIBE X – A Few Words with Sydney Charles

First-time DEATHSCRIBE director Sydney Charles is well-known to Chicago theatre audiences, appearing onstage as Dorothy in The Wiz at Kokandy Productions, Zora in the world premiere of Prowess at Jackalope Theatre, and the title role in Dessa Rose at Bailiwick Chicago, among many others. DEATHSCRIBE X marks not only her WildClaw debut, but her directorial debut as well.

What additional projects do you have, previous or pending, that we can brag about for you?

Hmmmm…I mean. I hate talking about myself and I also hate saying “Google me” because it’s gross. So, I’ll just say that I’ve been around. From the Goodman New Stages festival to the Fly Honey Show. And I have an award or two. Gross.

What excites you most about directing horror, compared to other genres?

This is baby’s first directing gig and I could not be more excited for it to be a horror piece. Horror is unlike any other genre. It gives power to the powerless. Teaches us lessons (shoutout to the Brothers Grimm). Brings people together. And honestly, teaches us about life and how to survive. I don’t believe there is any other kind of work that does all of those things simultaneously.

What do you consider the biggest challenge in writing for “radio,” compared to traditional theatre?

We live in a world where most of the information we take in is through the eyes. We’ve almost become completely dependent on them, which in turn, can dull our other senses. The biggest challenge in directing a radio piece is making sure it is engaging enough to arrest the ears and stimulate the imagination.

What sound would you most like to see/hear performed in a Deathscribe piece?

Flesh being ripped apart. From the abdomen. It’s softer there. Don’t judge me. [Editor’s Note: We here at WildClaw would never judge anyone for that. We LOVE that sound.]

What scares you?

My unpaid debt. Seriously, um, beings with one eye that glows in the dark and gets closer to you, but all you can focus on is the eye until you see the razor sharp teeth dripping with saliva. And my unpaid debt.

What question do you wish we’d asked, and how would you answer it? ^_~

My favorite horror film. And no I don’t have one…who does though? Unfair questions y’all. 🙂

DEATHSCRIBE X will take place Monday, December 4th, at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. Click the link below for more information.